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driving from Maastricht to Bacharach

I did the 21 Day Best of Europe tour last summer. This summer I will be spending 10 days in the Netherlands on my own. I would like to go back to Bacharach for a day trip. I see that it can be driven in just over 2 hours, but trains take 4 hours. Can anyone recommend a rental car agency in Maastricht that is familiar with working with American drivers? I will need an automatic transmission car (I don't know how to drive stick shift), and a GPS programmed to English...I am also wondering if anyone has made this drive...I am nervous about driving in a foreign country and fear losing my way or making a mistake following road signs and such...has anyone made this drive, and is it pretty simple to navigate? Do I need an International Driver's License for these two countries? Thanks so much, Tammy

Posted by
12040 posts

I haven't driven it directly, but I've done all the roads to and from. Two hours seems too generous. I would guess just under three would be more likely. The route, however, is fairly easy. The only portion that's a little confusing is the merger where A4 and A44 come together to the east of Aachen. This interchange has been under construction since I moved to Europe 4 years ago, and shows no signs of being finished any time soon. Just pay close attention to your lane and make sure you don't accidently turn off onto A44. It's pretty easy from there. Take A61 towards Koblenz, and take the exit for Bacharach. Descend down into the valley, and voila, you're there.

Since you're driving along the Autobahn network on this side of the Rhine, here's two BeyondtheBlueBook recommendations: the abbey of Maria Lach, and the twin towns of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. They sit in a gorgeous wine valley, and the walled well-preserved Ahrweiler section is yet another example of why Rothenburg odT isn't nearly as unique as some tourist literature claims.

Both of these are located just off A61.

Posted by
16895 posts

With either car or train, it would be nice to have more time for this side-trip. Renting an automatic car for 24 hours through Auto Europe costs the same as renting for 3 days - about $220 without collision damage waiver or $255 with the insurance. You don't need the International Driver's License.

Posted by
2098 posts

I have driven this route several times, the last time already four years ago. What Tom says is correct. From Maastricht it’s just driving to Aachen via A79 and A76/E314. Crossing the border the same road is now renumbered according the German system and has now number 4 with direction Köln. Keep following till clearly sign-posted “Kreuz Kerpen” , it’s a well-known intersection, turn right to follow highway 61 direction Koblenz till exit to Bacharach. However have no idea if this place is already sign-posted on the highway, with a good map or GPS wouldn’t be a problem to find.